Deandre Ayton's Interior Defense is Key for a Deep Phoenix Run

In one of the most anticipated first round matchups, Phoenix defeated the LA Lakers during a defensive Game 1 battle. One of the keys to the Suns’ victory was the efforts of Deandre Ayton on both ends of the floor. He paired 21 points with 16 boards, and shut down Anthony Davis on top of the double-double. AD shot 5-16 from the field and scored only 13 points, struggling to get going with Ayton’s ferocious defense. Devin Booker added 34 points, and linked up with his big man on multiple occasions.

INTERESTING FACTS

1st Suns player with 20+ PTS/15+ REB/90+ FG% during a playoff game in NBA history
1st player with 20+ PTS & 15+ REB during his playoff debut since Andres Nocioni in 2005
Anthony Davis was limited to 13 points, the t-fewest of his NBA postseason career (34 GP)

Odds vs. LAL: PHX -130 (Spread -2.0)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

AYTON’S INTERIOR DEFENSE IS KEY FOR A DEEP PHOENIX RUN

COLORS KEY | FULL SUNS OUTLOOK

The former first overall pick showed why he was regarded so highly in his first playoff game on Sunday. He dominated the glass, as his 16 rebounds were seven more than the Lakers leader in that category. Additionally, the Arizona alum was tasked with defending All-Star Anthony Davis but had no problem with the assignment. AD shot nearly 50% on the season but was only 31% from the field in a matchup with Ayton. Phoenix’s future All-Star’s ability to guard the league’s best big men significantly helps the Suns chances for a deep run in the postseason.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Ayton’s playoff debut highlights

BIG Game 1 for @DeandreAyton.
☀️ 21 PTS
☀️ 16 REB
☀️ 10-11 FGM@Suns seek 2-0 series lead Tuesday at 10pm/et on TNT. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/y7teCKKr5C
— NBA (@NBA) May 23, 2021